Question

what were two factors that contributed to the end of the open range on the western frontier?

two summers with rainfall that led to floods that killed most of the plains cattle
the invention and promotion of barbed wire to restrict cattle roaming
overgrazing on plains by sheep and cattle that led to the destruction of the land
a shortage of cowboys to tend to, drive, and sell the cattle

Explanation:

1. Barbed wire allowed farmers and ranchers to fence off land, effectively ending the open, unrestricted grazing areas that defined the open range system.
2. Widespread overgrazing by large herds of cattle and sheep degraded the grasslands of the Great Plains, eliminating the sustainable forage needed to support the open range cattle industry.

Answer:

• the invention and promotion of barbed wire to restrict cattle roaming
• overgrazing on plains by sheep and cattle that led to the destruction of the land